• Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards surprised the public with their team-up under Star Cinema
• This is not the first time a Kapuso star was featured on an ABS-CBN film production company
• Star Cinema presented Kapuso stars 12 times in films with varying genres

It was revealed on Tuesday that Kapuso actor Alden Richards will be paired with Kapamilya actress Kathryn Bernardo on a movie with Star Cinema.

The news of their first movie project together set abuzz online and was met with much enthusiasm from fans of both artists. The two will be directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina, who is known for romantic comedy movies and melodramatic films.

With that said, here are the other times that talents from GMA Network worked with ABS-CBN film production company, Star Cinema:

1. Fantastica

A Metro Manila Film Festival 2018 entry, this comedy film, directed by Barry Gonzalez, became the first big-screen team up of “It’s Showtime” host Vice Ganda and Kapuso leading man Dingdong Dantes.

2. You’re Still The One

https://www.instagram.com/p/3DuqfInGvZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

This romantic drama film, released in 2015, was the first big-screen team up of actress Maja Salvador and Dennis Trillo. Directed by Chris Martinez, the movie was co-produced with Regal Entertainment.

3. Da Possessed

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4th blockbuster week na ng #DaPossessed! Ulit ulitin para lagi kang mapossess ng happiness! #StarCinema20 #MagkwentuhanTayo

A post shared by ABS-CBN Films, Star Cinema (@starcinema) on May 9, 2014 at 7:33pm PDT

Comedy-horror film of 2014, this movie starred Vhong Navarro and Solenn Heusaff under the direction of Joyce Bernal.

4. She’s The One

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Appreciate what you have before it becomes what you had. Watching #shestheonemovie for the nth time.

A post shared by Patzy Salaguban (@patapatatas) on Aug 27, 2014 at 9:11pm PDT

Bea Alonzo and Dingdong Dantes, celebrated actors from various primetime television series, teamed up for this 2013 romantic-comedy. The film was directed by Mae Cruz-Alviar.

5. It Takes A Man and A Woman

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BIG WORD #itTakesAManAndAWoman #bigBIRD #TaguanNgFeelings #CallWaitin #bestpart #POWERHUG

A post shared by Ronald Tan (@ronturons) on Aug 8, 2014 at 7:46am PDT

Isabelle Daza joined top Kapamilya stars Sarah Geronimo and John Lloyd Cruz in this 2013 romantic-comedy sequel. Daza has since then transferred to ABS-CBN.

6. Kung Fu Divas

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Ai Ai delas Alas co-starred with Kapuso superstar Marian Rivera in this action-comedy film directed by Onat Diaz. Delas Alas has since then transferred to GMA Network.

7. One More Try

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Is it really worth to give one more try??? #onemoretrymovie #chancesare #readyornot

A post shared by Kristine “Krian” Antolin (@krian14) on Jan 16, 2013 at 9:43pm PST

Winning Metro Manila Film Festival 2013 entry, Dingdong Dantes starred for the second time in Star Cinema alongside Kapamilya stars Angel Locsin, Angelica Panganiban, and Zanjoe Marudo. It was directed by Ruel Bayani.

8. Segunda Mano

Horror flick from 2011, a recurring actor in Star Cinema pictures, Dingdong Dantes this time around teamed up with Queen of All Media Kris Aquino. The film was directed by Joyce Bernal.

9. Won’t Last A Day Without You

Joey de Leon in a rare sighting for an ABS-CBN project, starred with Sarah Geronimo and Gerald Anderson for this 2011 Star Cinema film directed by Raz de la Torre.

10. For the First Time

KC Concepcion, a showbiz newcomer and Richard Gutierrez, prized leading man from GMA-7 teamed up for this movie back in 2008. It was directed by Joyce Bernal. Gutierrez has since then transferred to ABS-CBN.

11. The Unmarried Wife

Maryo J. de los Reyes directed this film in 2016, following the footsteps of the success of “One More Try.” In his fifth ride with Star Cinema, Dingdong Dantes appeared on the movie alongside Angelica Panganiban and Paulo Avelino.

12. Just the 3 of Us

Jennylyn Mercado starred opposite John Lloyd Cruz in this 2016 romantic comedy film directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina.

• ‘Glorious’ director denies rumors about the movie being inspired by Ai-Ai delas Alas and Gerald Sibayan’s story.
• Ai-Ai expressed that she and her husband can actually relate to the movie’s plot as they are in a similar situation as the main characters.

‘Glorious,’ starring Angel Aquino and Tony Labrusca, will start showing on November 17, Saturday.

It is about the love story of a 52 year-old potter named Glory and a 22 year-old DIY shop sales assistant.

Upon learning about the plot, one real life couple that came into mind was 54 year-old actress Ai-Ai delas Alas and her husband, 25 year-old Gerald Sibayan. This resulted to people asking if the story is inspired by the pair’s situation.

Director  Concepcion Macatuno quickly denied the speculations.

“Hindi. I don’t know their story.”

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Ang asawa kong magiging pilot .. proud ako sayo darl @gerald_sibayan … family bonding sa subic with bebe boy @sanchovito and nene @shannamayy @asianinstituteofaviation_aia — #ilovemyfamilysomuch #myhusbamdpilottobe

A post shared by Martina Eileen D.A. SIBAYAN (@msaiaidelasalas) on Nov 4, 2018 at 11:29pm PST

When asked about her opinion, Ai-Ai said that Gerald was actually the one that showed her the trailer and they find it really relatable and added that there should’ve been a movie like ‘Glorious’ even before.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpv7xbkhAq8/

“Yes! 50 is the new 20! Super relate kami.

“Dapat noon pa may movie na ganyan. Dati ko pa ‘yan gustong gawin hahaha! Wala!Meron talagang pag-ibig na hindi lang pera-pera… Hindi naman lahat, pag may edad yung lalaki o babae, pera na agad. Puwede namang nagmamahalan din, di ba?”

The actress then said that they will surely watch the movie right away.

• List of nine celebrities who used to live like normal people, but today they have become the center of people’s attention.
• They are the examples of ‘rags-to-riches’ individuals who worked hard, climbed all the way from the bottom to the top.

Not all celebrities were been born with a silver spoon their mouths, but their roads to stardom were pre-destined; as they worked hard to attain what they have right now.

There are celebrities who had to make their way from the very bottom just to be where they are today.

Here are some of those big names who have successfully climbed to the very top:

Jericho Rosales

Despite the good looks, Heartthrob Jericho Rosales used to be a personal driver and also worked as a crew member of a pizza place. Today, he is not just one of the finest young actors but a businessman as well.

Ai-Ai Delas Alas

The Philippine Queen of Comedy Ai Ai Delas Alas once worked as a sales lady in a department store.

Manny Pacquiao

It is not a secret to everyone that the Pacman himself did not have an easy life. Before his success in the field of boxing, he once worked as a baker, construction worker, and a donut vendor.

Marvin Agustin

Marvin Agustin used to work as a mascot and waiter prior to becoming a successful actor, chef, and an entrepreneur.

Willie Revillame

Did you know that Wowowin host Willie Revillame was a former jeepney barker before getting into a band and eventually discovered as sidekicks in the movies?

Vice Ganda

One of today’s most popular personalities, Vice Ganda, sold water bottles to earn before he became a full-time comedian.

Richard Gomez

With a face like Richard Gomez, you wouldn’t even think that he used to be a waiter, serving burgers and fries in a fast food chain.

Jake Zyrus

Formerly known as Charice Pempengco, Jake Zyrus started off by joining local singing competitions to help his mom earn a living.

Ejay Falcon

Before winning the Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Edition Plus, Ejay Falcon was the typical promdi who sought for his mother in Manila, only to learn that she already has a new family.

• Ai-Ai Delas Alas three-year endorsement with CBLIC
• Country Bankers Life Insurance Corporation marks 53rd anniversary

Country Bankers Life Insurance Corporation (CBLIC) has been serving and committed to Filipinos for over five decades. It never fails to provide simple and affordable insurance that Filipino families really need.

Celebrating 53rd Anniversary

CBLIC was established on March 28, 1965 by its founding President Jose E. Desiderio Sr. He started to address the insurance needs in rural areas, catering to small and medium business entrepreneurs, farmers, fishermen, and public school teachers – a market that had been untapped in the ‘60s.

Country Bankers found its niche as the choice insurance provider in the countryside and allowed rural folks to avail of an affordable, reliable insurance plan that had previously been unavailable to them.

This legacy of accessible insurance to low-income Filipinos has been passed on to the Desiderio family’s third-generation members who are now running the company.  At its helm is Geraldine Desiderio-Garcia, senior vice president and general manager of CBIG.

Services

CBIG has two subsidiaries: Country Bankers Life Insurance Corporation (CBLIC), a life insurance provider, and Country Bankers Insurance Corporation (CBIC), for non-life insurance products. Both have stayed on track in giving Filipinos straightforward and non-intimidating insurance options.

For example, CBIG’s micro-insurance products help educate Filipinos on the benefits of insurance by promoting its value to a broader market. A larger consciousness on the advantages of insurance is instrumental in protecting disadvantaged Filipinos, who face heavier burdens during times of catastrophe and financial distress.

For several years now, CBIG continues to develop a wide array of insurance plans that are not only practical and relevant but also provide the necessary support for plan holders in times of need.

Among these is the Classic Benefit Plan that offers insurance protection up to age 96 and is payable in a three-, five-, seven-, or ten-year period. Alalay Sa Buhay (ASB), on the other hand, provides renewable one-year insurance to individuals 13-70 years old for only Php 365, with natural and accidental death benefits. ASB is also available for families and seniors, with ASB family being renewable up to age 70 for principal insured and covers up to 3 to 5 family members for only Php 750 for one unit.  ASB for Seniors covers individuals ages 71-80 and offers insurance for one year for only Php 1,000 for one unit.

On challenges over the years

Being in the industry for 53 years, CBLIC has experienced one too many obstacles. “There have always been challenges that need to be overcome but we remain solid and committed to serving the needs of the common Filipino. Through the years we have proven to be reliable insurers by reaching out to our target market and giving them the insurance that answers their needs,” Atty. Romeo G. Velasquez said, President of Country Bankers Life Insurance Group (CBIG).

For the Filipinos

CBIG ceaselessly works on ways to innovate its products, to better serve the market it now has, and further expand its reach.

“I want our company to be known as a “company with a heart” and a company that can be relied upon to deliver its commitment. We will continue to deliver what we promise to give,” concludes Garcia.

As CBLIC continues to evolve as a company, it remains true to its core values – sincere, dependable service to farmers, fishermen, small and medium business owners, employees, and teachers, mostly from rural areas. CBIG remains an able ally to Filipinos seeking security for themselves and their families, through its life and nonlife products.

For inquiries please visit them at Country Bankers Centre, 648 T.M. Kalaw, Manila or call at tel. nos. 523-8611 for life insurance and 524-0621 for nonlife insurance.

• Ai-Ai Delas Alas takes lead on ‘Bes and Beshies’
• Ai-AI Delas Alas on bashers

Despite having played all types of mother there are, Ai-Ai delas Alas gives a fresh take as she played Charla in Bes and Beshies.

Ai-Ai as Charla

‘Close to home’, as Ms. Ai-Ai described her role as Charla. She has raised her children on her own for the longest years. But unlike her most famous role in the “Ang Tanging Ina”, Charla focuses more on ‘relationship issues’ rather than ‘maternal concerns’.

Meanwhile her co-stars Beauty Gonzales, Zsa Zsa Padilla, and Carmi Martin depict different types of a woman.

Ai-Ai on bashers

As her wedding date approaches, bashing has become her least priority but the Comedy Concert Queen admitted that she is still affected by all the negative things their bashers have to say to them.

On the other hand, her fiance Gerald Sibayan continues to encourage her to let it all go and focus on the more important thing–their relationship.

In Ai-Ai’s defense, she said, “Napaka-unfair naman kasi [Sibayan]. Syempre mapapangasawa ko si Gerald, karapatan ko siyang ipagtanggol.”

On troll accounts, she simply said, “Wala naman akong dapat i-explain tska ayoko kasi yung iba naman kasi nilang account [ay] fake, eh.”

What do you think guys? Share us your thoughts.

• Ai-Ai for Hobe Pansit
• Hobe eyes great plans for Ai-ai

Wedding bells everywhere!

Ai-Ai on Hobe endorsement

In the recent blogcon for her contract renewal with Hobe, Ai-ai delas Alas expressed how thankful she is with her loyal endorsements which include the leading quick-cook noodle brand in the Philippines.

“I am so happy and he’s very good to me [Bobby Co, CEO of Hobe]. He is very supportive and as long as he needs me I will be here for Hobe,” Ai-ai said in gratitude.

Ai-ai became Hobe’s endorser three years ago, since then, she was able to establish a great relationship with them. “We have been together for three years and I consider this as a blessing from God,” she shared.

Meanwhile, the owner of Hobe, Bobby Co, considers Ai-Ai as their lucky charm. “We have grown up to 50% sales when she came in the picture. We are very thankful for that,” he said.

“We have new plans with Aiai as we go out on the streets, trade fairs, US and Asian countries. We are going to have a lot of projects with her now that she’s on her third year,” he added tackling their future plans for Ai-Ai.

Congrats, Ai-Ai!!

Everyone has to start from humble beginnings, right?

If you are thinking that the famous celebrities you see on your tv screens start off glamorously, you might be thinking wrong. It may be true that they are living in glitz and glamor now, but that doesn’t mean it’s synonymous to how they were before. Many of the beautiful faces we see in the limelight did not grow up with a silver spoon in their mouth. Most of them strived really hard to find their way to success and stardom.

We listed 10 celebrities who had odd regular jobs before they became famous (note: some might shock you!)

1. Coco Martin, Janitor

Who would believe that this former indie heartthrob was employed as a janitor in Alberta, Canada? Coco Martin was an OFW, working in a bingo parlor before he slams TV Ratings for FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.

In an interview, he admitted that his worst nightmare is cleaning toilet stalls saying, “You’re just simply at a loss on how to do it because of all the shit. I also didn’t know what to do with the sanitary pads.”

2. Piolo Pascual, Emergency Room Representative

After graduating a degree in Physical Therapy, he worked at the admissions desk in an emergency room at a Los Angeles hospital. Despite entering showbiz early by guesting in That’s Entertainment, he chose to practice his degree by getting employed in the hospital where his mother used to work.

3. Ai-Ai De Las Alas, Saleslady

Before reaching the comfortable life she’s living right now, the Comedy Concert Queen experienced hardships in life first. She worked as a saleslady in a department store in mid-’80s before hitting comedy bars as a regular comedienne.

4.  Richard Gomez, McDonald’s Service Crew

Still grateful to those college girls who paved the way to his fame, Richard Gomez was once a service crew at McDonald’s. Due to his natural charisma and popularity, he landed filming top-rated movies with Dawn Zulueta.

5. Nora Aunor, Peanut Vendor

Before getting dubbed as the Philippines ‘Superstar‘ and before bagging countless acting awards, the iconic Nora Aunor is a former peanut vendor in a train station.

6. Willie Revillame, Bodyguard

Being the face of ’00s-era noontime shows, no one would have expected that Kuya Wil was once a hawi-boy/bodyguard of his friend, Randy Santiago. He became a personal assistant whose job is to serve as human barricades in concerts and events. Then, after getting sidekick roles to his comedian friends, he finally earned a slot in the spotlight.

7. Jericho Rosales, Fish Vendor

Hard work truly pays off. Scanning through his acting background, you can tell that Jericho’s career started early. But before showbiz, it’s never easy for him and his family. He once worked as a fish vendor before getting scouted while fixing tables at Greenwich.

8. Solenn Heusaff, Makeup Artist

Completing the elite group of “It Girls”, Solenn used to take roles behind the cameras–as a makeup artist. Nope, if you’re thinking it’s unglamorous for her, you’re wrong. She has an impressive degree in fashion and beauty, graduating at the Studio Berçot and Make Up Forever Academy in Paris.

9. Dingdong Dantes, Back-up Dancer

Before taking showbiz by storm, Dong worked as a regular back-up dancer on Eat Bulaga and That’s Entertainment.

Lastly, his lovely wife…

10. Marian Rivera, SPED Teacher

Upon graduating with a degree in Psychology from De La Salle University-Dasmarinas, she worked as a special education teacher. Even before giving birth to Maria Letiza, she was employed as a staff at the National Institute of Mental Health where she gives out medicine and evaluates patients.

See? Your idols have experienced hardships in life, too, and they’re still undergoing some. Inspiration? Yes, of course!